Grief Out Loud
Remember the last time you tried to talk about grief and suddenly everyone left the room? Grief Out Loud is opening up this often avoided conversation because grief is hard enough without having to go through it alone. We bring you a mix of personal stories, tips for supporting children, teens, and yourself, and interviews with bereavement professionals. Platitude and cliché-free, we promise! Grief Out Loud is hosted by Jana DeCristofaro and produced by Dougy Center: The National Grief Center Children & Families in Portland, Oregon. www.dougy.org
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One Last Stroller Walk - Navigating Pet Loss
07/25/2025
One Last Stroller Walk - Navigating Pet Loss
Welcome to a special "podcast takeover" episode. This week, , creator of and , steps in to interview Jana. Their conversation centers on Jana's beloved Boston Terrier, Captain, who died in December 2024 at the age of 15. Lindsey understands this heartache well, as her own sweet dog, Birch, died in May 2022. As a skilled interviewer and a thoughtful friend in grief, Lindsey was the perfect person to explore Jana's experience of loving and grieving for Captain. Together, Lindsey and Jana delve into how Captain came into Jana's life, the complexities of caregiving for an aging pet, the difficult decisions surrounding their end-of-life, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways pet grief can be minimized or dismissed, by others and sometimes even by us. This conversation weaves between the personal and professional, touching on: How Captain became a cherished part of Jana's life The physical and behavioral changes Captain experienced in his last two years Navigating personal loss as a grief professional The challenging dynamics of deciding when and how to say goodbye Captain's last day Jana's evolving relationship with Captain's belongings Expressing grief through writing and sharing on Instagram () The struggle of making space for pet grief within a field primarily focused on human loss How grief rituals evolve over time, and the importance of allowing ourselves permission for these changes A quick content note: we’ll be discussing end-of-life caregiving for a pet, including the decision-making process around euthanasia. We know these are tender topics, so please take care as you listen. The resource we mention: , MEd, CT (she/her) is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, international speaker, and grief educator. In her current role as a senior producer/director and instructional designer at PBS/NPR affiliate WPSU, Lindsey focuses on projects related to grief, trauma, and mental health. She is the creator of and, founder of, and serves on the Board of Directors for the (NACG). She’s also an instructional designer and content creator for the Yale Child Study Center’s . Lindsey earned her bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Digital Arts from Point Park University, her master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State, and is through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). She’s a dog mom, avid reader, and rock climber.
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Grieving The Death Of A Child - Susie And Nick Shaw’s Story
07/11/2025
Grieving The Death Of A Child - Susie And Nick Shaw’s Story
When Susie and Nick Shaw’s nine-year-old son William died in a skiing accident, their world shifted permanently. In the six years since that day, they've found ways to carry their grief and stay connected to William, while continuing to honor the boy who inspired so much good in their lives and in their community. In this deeply moving conversation, Susie and Nick reflect on William’s life—his empathy, his humor, and the motto he created for himself in the year before he died: “Be Yourself.” A simple but powerful phrase that inspired their nonprofit, . Together, we discuss: The day William died and what they’ve come to understand about control, safety, and loss Navigating grief as individuals and as a couple Supporting their son Kai in grieving for his brother Raising Bodhi, their child who was born after William’s death Creating family rituals, including monthly taco nights and birthday celebrations Returning to Big Sky, Montana to visit the spot where William died and reclaim their love of skiing Their new project, The Greenhouse, a house for families who are grieving to take a break from daily life Whether you’re a parent or a caregiver who's grieving, a supporter of one, or someone walking alongside a family coping with heartbreaking grief, this conversation highlights the power of honesty, connection, and intentional grief work. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child death, trauma, and detailed descriptions of the day William died. More from Susie & Nick: Susie's writing: Susie on IG: Nick's book: Learn more: Donate or get involved with The Greenhouse Project:
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“We Just Kept Going” - Two Sisters, Twenty Years After Their Mom Was Killed
07/03/2025
“We Just Kept Going” - Two Sisters, Twenty Years After Their Mom Was Killed
Jessie was 21. Molly was 11. Two days after their joint birthdays, their mom, Jill, was murdered by Molly’s father. In the hours, days, and years that followed, there was little room for grief. Jessie and Molly were expected to keep going — and they did. But that forward momentum came at a cost. It’s been nearly 20 years, and only recently have Jessie and Molly begun to revisit what happened and what it’s meant to live with unspoken grief and unacknowledged trauma. As part of that process, they discovered a manila envelope packed away in storage - inside were eight children’s book manuscripts written by their mom in the 1980s. Finding those stories sparked a new chapter of connection with their mom and motivated them to work towards getting them illustrated and published. Note: This conversation includes descriptions of domestic violence, stalking, violent death, and suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, see the list of resources below. In this conversation, Jessie and Molly talk about: What their mom was like and what she meant to each of them Their vastly different experiences of the day she was killed What stood in the way of them naming what they lived through as abuse and trauma How grief became something they held privately, even from each other The impact of finally receiving permission to feel and grieve Their efforts to get their mom’s children’s stories published Follow along and support their project: GoFundMe: . Dougy Center: - 1-800-799-7233 - 988
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It Opened Me Up To Love - Danielle LaRock
06/23/2025
It Opened Me Up To Love - Danielle LaRock
How do you keep your heart open to love after it's been broken apart by grief? was just 19 when her father died of a heart attack. In 2022, her partner Ian died suddenly. Then, in 2024, her beloved dog Blue died, and with Blue went many shared memories of time spent with Ian. The experience of loving and being loved by Ian opened up places in Danielle's heart that had closed down after her father's death. That openness has stayed with her, even as she grieves for both Ian and Blue. That ongoing love and connection have shaped Danielle's grief and the ways she tries to support others who are also grieving. We discuss: How Danielle coped - and didn't - as a college student after her dad's death The isolation of being surrounded by peers who hadn't experienced the death of a parent Meeting Ian as children and reconnecting as adults How Ian's own experience with the death of his dad helped him understand and support her grief Being present for Ian's medical crisis and emergency brain surgery The trauma of witnessing his death and being the person who had to tell his friends and family How experiencing deep love with Ian changed her approach to all relationships Learning to celebrate the milestones of others while grieving the loss of the ones she would have shared with Ian The spiritual awakening Danielle experienced after Ian's death Discovering traditional therapy didn't work for her The value of online support groups, specifically for young widows & widowers Exploring ways to support others in their grief Guest Bio is the co-host of the popular podcast , which explores dark history and tragedy in outdoor spaces. A former veterinary technician from New England, Danielle has become a compassionate voice in the grief community, using her own experiences with loss to help others navigate their journeys. Connect with Danielle on .
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How They Died Matters, A Daughter's Story - Kari Lyons-Price, MSW
06/19/2025
How They Died Matters, A Daughter's Story - Kari Lyons-Price, MSW
Sometimes we can't really begin to understand grief - ours or anyone else's - if we don't have space to talk about the death. The context surrounding how someone died matters and can shape our grief in meaningful ways. This was true for who was a caregiver for her parents, Hal and Sylvia, for many years. They died three years apart, her dad in 2019 and her mom in 2022, and the circumstances of their deaths greatly impacted Kari and her grief. We discuss: How her parents lived - and how they each died Why their death stories matter when it comes to grief The anger and resentment in the immediate aftermath of her father's death What she's done to come to terms with the circumstances of each of their deaths The role advocacy and education in the realm of care facilities played in that process Making decisions about her mother's care in light of how her father died and the pandemic The ongoing, slow nature of grief when someone has a long-term degenerative illness What it's meant to no longer be a caregiver for her parents Overcoming her family's narrative of autonomy and learning to accept support in grief Where Kari finds her foundation now Want to hear more from Kari? Check out her podcast,
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The Longevity Of Grief
06/16/2025
The Longevity Of Grief
In this episode, Camila returns to Grief Out Loud six years after her first appearance to share how grief continues to evolve. What began with the sudden loss of her mother at age 21 has now expanded to include the ongoing grief of caregiving for her father, who is living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Camila discusses the unique challenges of long-distance caregiving, the differences between sudden loss and gradual decline, and how these two types of grief intersect in her life. She also discusses navigating major life milestones—including getting married during the pandemic—without her mother's presence. We Discuss: The difference between sudden loss and the "slow grief" of watching a parent decline How grief has shifted in the 15+ years since her mother's unexpected death Losing her father as the co-archivist of her mother's life and their family history Managing long-distance caregiving The failures of the elder care system in the U.S. The role of chosen family and support Wedding planning and the question of how to honor her mother's memory The complexity of being a queer person in traditionally heteronormative grief support spaces Feeling like she no longer has parents, even though her father is still alive The therapeutic value of pets Finding moments of connection and joy with her father despite his condition Using poetry as a processing tool for grief About the Guest: Camila is a poet who has published three books of poetry: (about losing her mother) (about falling in love and healthy relationships) (about caring for her father and how different types of grief intersect) This episode is the third in our 2025 three-part series highlighting the voices of communities who have historically been underrepresented in the grief world. The series is part of an ongoing collaboration between Dougy Center and We are deeply grateful for New York Life Foundation's tireless support and advocacy for children and teens who are grieving. Grief Out Loud is a production of Dougy Center, the National Grief Center for Children and Families in Portland, Oregon.
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When Death Is Scheduled – Mark Chesnut On Grieving His Sister
06/02/2025
When Death Is Scheduled – Mark Chesnut On Grieving His Sister
In this deeply personal episode, Mark Chesnut returns to Grief Out Loud to share his experience of losing his sister Glynn to ovarian cancer. Glynn chose medical aid in dying after nearly four years of treatment, giving Mark and his family the unusual experience of knowing when death would occur. This conversation explores the complexity of "scheduled death," the challenges of finding appropriate language to discuss medical aid in dying, and how knowing the date changed their family's grieving process. is a journalist, editor, public speaker, and the author of: Mark previously appeared on in October 2022, discussing caring for his mother at the end of her life. Mark lives in New York City with his husband Angel and recently wrote about his sister's experience with medical aid in dying. This episode is the second in our 2025 three-part series highlighting the voices of communities who have historically been underrepresented in the grief world. The series is part of an ongoing collaboration between Dougy Center and We are deeply grateful for New York Life Foundation's tireless support and advocacy for children and teens who are grieving. Grief Out Loud is a production of Dougy Center, the National Grief Center for Children and Families in Portland, Oregon.
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Closer In Grief - Building A Relationship After Someone Dies
05/15/2025
Closer In Grief - Building A Relationship After Someone Dies
When someone dies, our relationship with them doesn't just disappear. Sometimes the relationship changes in ways we never expected, allowing us to feel closer to them than we did when they were alive. This can leave us learning to grieve not just for what we had, but for what never got the chance to have with them. In this episode we talk with Never Faull about grieving for their father, who died in 2018 from cirrhosis of the liver. Nev shares how their relationship with their father was distant during his life and how they've found ways to create a deeper connection with him after his death. We also discuss what it was like for Nev, who came out as trans six months after their dad dies, to navigate grieving while also celebrating a new unfolding in their identity. Topics we discuss: Navigating grief in complex parent-child relationships The impact of undiagnosed autism on family connections Creating meaning and relationship after death The symbols and rituals that help Nev feel a connection with their dad's presence Queer and trans grief resources Never Faull is a queer and trans, disabled, autistic BIPOC writer, photographer, facilitator, and grief tender based in Portland. they explore the intersections of memory, identity, and mourning in their creative work. their current project, The Dead Dad Camera Club, started with the camera their dad left behind, and has become a way to navigate grief through photos and storytelling. Resources Mentioned by Francis Weller Queer Grief Club run by newsletter Grief Out Loud contact: The Dougy Center website: dougy.org This episode is the first in our 2025 three-part series highlighting the voices of communities who have historically been underrepresented in the grief world. The series is part of an ongoing collaboration between Dougy Center and We are deeply grateful for New York Life Foundation's tireless support and advocacy for children and teens who are grieving.
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The Grief We Bury: Daria Burke on Childhood Loss, Collective Grief, & Estrangement
05/02/2025
The Grief We Bury: Daria Burke on Childhood Loss, Collective Grief, & Estrangement
is an author, executive, and healer-at-heart. She's also a grandchild grieving for her grandmother and a daughter estranged from her parents. In this episode, Daria shares the profound impact of losing her maternal grandmother at age seven and how that early loss reverberated through her life. This loss and grief exist alongside the immense healing she's done around growing up in poverty, childhood trauma, and her parents' absences, addictions, and the eventual estrangement from them. With the recent release of her memoir, , Daria opens up about the moment, decades later, that reawakened the grief for her grandmother - finding a newspaper article about her fatal car accident. That discovery, and ensuing grief, started a new chapter in Daria's healing process. In our conversation, we talk about inherited trauma, the emotional weight of estrangement, the invisible grief of childhood neglect, Daria's healing practices, and how she stays connected to her grandmother through what she calls “love taps.” Key Topics: What role Daria's grandmother played in her early childhood The ongoing impacts of childhood grief and unprocessed trauma How truth-telling is part of healing The collective grief she grew up around in Detroit of the 1980's Uncovering the grief she buried after her grandmother died Grieving for family members who are still alive Grief Practices Daria Shares: Giving herself permission to cry freely Meditative practices to connect with her grandmother Volunteering on holidays and creating new rituals Finding signs from her grandmother in the world around her Daria Burke is an American writer, speaker and award-winning business leader. A marketer by trade and a seeker at heart, Daria is a storyteller and sense-maker, weaving together personal experience and the science of healing and transformation to explore new ways of understanding how we choose who we become. This passion led her to complete Dr. Tara Swart’s Neuroscience for Business course at MIT and Positive Psychology and Well-Being at Stanford, taught by Dr. Daryn Reicherter, an international expert in trauma psychiatry. Her debut memoir, OF MY OWN MAKING (April 2025) explores trauma, neuroplasticity, and Post-Traumatic Growth through the lens of her own healing journey. Kiese Laymon called it “as profound a book about the treacherous experience of befriending ourselves as I’ve read this decade.” Part memoir, part methodology, OF MY OWN MAKING blends personal narrative with scientific insight, Daria inspires readers to reimagine the narratives that define their lives. Connect with Daria: Website: Instagram: Resources & Links: Dougy Center: Email the show: Production Note: Grief Out Loud is produced by Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children & Families, and is supported in part by The Chester Stephan Endowment Fund.
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Going Beyond Words: Supporting Children With Autism Who Are Grieving - Jennifer Wiles, M.A., LMHC, BC-DMT, FT
04/25/2025
Going Beyond Words: Supporting Children With Autism Who Are Grieving - Jennifer Wiles, M.A., LMHC, BC-DMT, FT
In this episode, we delve into the grief experiences of children and teens with autism. Our guest, - Director of the HEARTplay Program and a dance movement therapist with decades of experience - joins us to discuss how children with autism process grief and how parents and others in their lives can support them. Drawing on her background in both nonverbal forms of expression and grief support, Jennifer shares compassionate, practical insights rooted in her work with families. This conversation is both timely and essential, especially during , as it highlights the importance of expanding how we understand and support grief beyond more traditional approaches rooted in words. We discuss: The importance of using direct, concrete language when talking about death Common misconceptions about how kids with autism express grief Why behaviors often interpreted as indifference may be expressions of deep emotion How sensory overload and disrupted routines can intensify grief reactions The powerful role of nonverbal communication—movement, gesture, rhythm, and ritual—in grief expression How social stories and structured activities can prepare kids for events like funerals Grief rituals for significant days like anniversaries and birthdays The impact of other losses, including changes in routine, missed milestones, and the death of service animals Resources mentioned: A resource for supporting children of all abilities who are grieving Books: series by Meredith Polsky & Arlen Gaines by Catherine Faherty by Brennan Wood : Free downloadable social stories and grief support Have feedback or a story to share? Email us at Visit for grief support resources, activity sheets, and past episodes.
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When Grief Comes Home - Parenting & Grief
04/17/2025
When Grief Comes Home - Parenting & Grief
Grief often arrives without warning and changes everything we thought we knew about ourselves, our families, and the world around us. In this episode, we talk with Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague about their new book, When Grief Comes Home, a resource created from years of both personal loss and professional experience supporting families who are grieving. Erin, founding Executive Director of in Central California, and Colleen, Program Director, discuss how they came to write this book that blends memoir, practical tools, and reflective questions. We discuss: Erin's personal experience with grief including the death of her husband when their children were just 3 and 5 years old, her mother from suicide, and her son Carter, who died in an accident The unique impact of sudden loss The power of rituals and expressive activities What teens really need when they are grieving Strategies for returning to school and work Activites and discussion starters parents and caregivers can use to connect with their kids Learning to trust yourself in grief Making space for the dark parts of grief while also staying open to moments of light and joy Resources & Mentions: by Erin and Colleen – [available wherever you get your books] Jessica’s House: Dougy Center: 💬 Connect with us: 🎧 If you find this episode meaningful, consider leaving us a rating or review to help more people find Grief Out Loud. Grief Out Loud is produced by Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children & Families.
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When You Lose Your Anchor People: Renée Watson & Making Space For Grief
04/04/2025
When You Lose Your Anchor People: Renée Watson & Making Space For Grief
What does it mean to lose your anchor people? In a short period of time, experienced the death of her mother, her mentor Nikki Giovanni, and her childhood friend, Charnetta. Renée shares how these experiences influenced her latest novel for young readers, , which follows 13-year-old Sage as she navigates grief after the death of her best friend. Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose recent book All the Blues in the Sky explores grief through the eyes of a young person. Her young adult novel, , received a Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor. Her children's picture books and novels for teens have received several awards and international recognition. Many of her books are inspired by her experiences growing up as a Black girl in the Pacific Northwest. We Discuss Experiencing multiple significant losses in a short period of time The impact of losing "anchor people" in one's life How Renée's mentor and friend, Nikki Giovanni, supported her as she grieved for her mother The spectrum of emotions that come with grief Why it’s important to acknowledge grief rather than avoid it What Renée learned about grief from writing her main character, Sage. The comparison of sudden loss versus anticipated loss Finding tangible reminders of love after someone dies Connect with Renée Watson Website: About Dougy Center Grief Out Loud is a production of Dougy Center, the National Grief Center for Children and Families in Portland, Oregon. For more resources, visit or email .
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Fifty-Seven Fridays: Myra Sack On Love, Loss & Grieving Her Daughter
03/28/2025
Fifty-Seven Fridays: Myra Sack On Love, Loss & Grieving Her Daughter
In this deeply moving episode we talked with about the love, loss, and legacy of her daughter, Havi. Diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease at just 15 months old, Havi's life was brief but profoundly impactful. Myra shares how she and her family navigated the unbearable reality of their daughter's illness and death, including transforming their Shabbat ritual into "Shabbirthdays" held every Friday to celebrate Havi's life. Myra reflects on the arduous medical rollercoaster that led to Havi's Tay-Sachs diagnosis, the challenges of navigating a world that struggles to support the bereaved, and how she and her family find solace in sharing Havi's legacy with others. She also discusses her memoir, , and how she started an organization that harnesses movement, community, and ritual to support those who are grieving. We discuss: The ongoing presence of grief, particularly during milestone moments and everyday life. How Myra and her husband Matt created the Shabbirthday ritual to honor Havi each week. How Havi continues to teach others even after her death. The impact of isolation for grieving families and the struggle of navigating social norms post-diagnosis. Finding ways to stay connected to Havi through rituals, storytelling, and shared memories. Myra's journey into grief education and the founding of E-Motion, which supports people who are grieving through movement and community. The need for more grief-informed communities. Resources & Links: by Myra Sack By Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey Connect With Us: Have thoughts on this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at or visit our website for more resources and past episodes.
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Living With Incurable Cancer: Caroline Catlin On Time, Grief, & Mortality
03/19/2025
Living With Incurable Cancer: Caroline Catlin On Time, Grief, & Mortality
What does it mean to live with an incurable illness while navigating grief, time, and the complexity of human connection? In this episode of Grief Out Loud, we sit down with —writer, artist, and grief care worker—to explore her experience of living with an incurable brain cancer diagnosis. Caroline shares how her relationship with cancer has evolved over the past six years, from the early days of fighting for a diagnosis to the ongoing reality of regular scans and the uncertainty of what’s next. She speaks candidly about anticipatory grief, the way mortality shapes her daily life, and how her work in end-of-life photography and peer grief support informs her perspective on loss. We also discuss: The impact of a life-altering diagnosis on friendships and relationships How people can better support those living with illness The intersection of living with illness and supporting grieving children The unique grief of knowing time is limited—and learning to live within it Caroline also shares about her grief writing workshops, her creative process, and how gardening has become a grounding practice for her. Connect with Caroline: Website: Instagram: Grief writing workshops: Sliding scale, open to all For more resources and to connect with Grief Out Loud, visit .
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What Now? Carla Fernandez & Renegade Grief
03/07/2025
What Now? Carla Fernandez & Renegade Grief
In this episode of Grief Out Loud, we welcome back , co-founder of , to talk about her new book, , in which she explores the question: "Now what? What are we supposed to do after someone dies?" Carla reflects on the death of her father, the unconventional paths she’s taken to process her grief, and how The Dinner Party came together from a desire to create non-traditional spaces for young adults navigating loss. In this conversation we delve into the dominant narratives around grief — and how the few that do exist may not fit for most of us. From potluck meals to altar building, Carla shares creative ways people can honor their grief and build community at the same time. We discuss: The inspiration behind Renegade Grief and why Carla wished this book existed when her dad died. How traditional grief support spaces often don’t work for young adults. The origin story of The Dinner Party, and how one dinner with friends who “get it” can change everything. Why food, memory, and grief are so deeply intertwined. The myth that grief gets “easier after the first year” — and why year two can be even harder. Grief rituals and care practices for both early grief and the long haul. Creating identity-based grief spaces, like LGBTQ+ and BIPOC tables, and why specificity matters in grief support. Finding joy, creativity, and unexpected connection through grief (without forced positivity). Carla Fernandez is the co-founder of The Dinner Party, a community-driven organization that brings together grieving young adults for potluck dinners and meaningful conversations about life after loss. Her new book, Renegade Grief, is a practical and heartfelt guide to building personal rituals and support networks that meet you where you are — not where society says you should be. Resources Mentioned: (out March 11, 2025) - Peer grief support for 20 to 45 year-olds by Mary-Frances O’Connor by Martín Prechtel - Documentary by Sol Guy Connect With Us: Dougy Center Website: Email the Show: Listen to All Episodes: Follow us on and
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A Tribute To My Dad - Bryan Jung & This Is Why
02/28/2025
A Tribute To My Dad - Bryan Jung & This Is Why
In this episode Bryan Jung talks about the experience of being only nine years old when his father, a prominent lawyer in the Korean community, was tragically shot by another lawyer. Fifteen months later and just nine days before Bryan’s 11th birthday, his father died. Bryan reflects on the impact of his father’s death, the strength of his family, and how he continues to honor his dad’s legacy. He shares how his grief evolved over time, the role of community support, and the lessons he’s carried into his own life. Bryan also discusses founding , an online platform that provides space for individuals who lost a parent as a child or teen to share their stories and find connection. We Discuss: Bryan’s memories of his father and the impact of his death on their family Navigating life after his father’s shooting and the challenges of childhood grief The role of community support and the strength of his mother in keeping the family together How volunteering at Camp Erin deepened his understanding of grief and inspired him to create This Is Why The power of storytelling in grief and his commitment to continuing his father’s legacy Forgiveness and personal growth in the aftermath of tragedy How grief anniversaries and milestones continue to shape his journey Resources & Links: Learn more about This Is Why: Connect with on social media Information on Camp Erin: Dougy Center: Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts on this episode or want to share your own grief journey, email us at .
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How Many Siblings Do You Have? Navigating Sibling Loss with Judy Lipson
02/15/2025
How Many Siblings Do You Have? Navigating Sibling Loss with Judy Lipson
In this episode, we talk with Judy Lipson, author of A Celebration of Sisters. Judy shares her journey of sibling loss, reflecting on the deaths of her sisters—Margie, who died of anorexia, and Jane, who died in a car crash—and how their absence shaped her identity. She opens up about the complexities of sibling grief, the impact of Margie's long battle with an eating disorder, and the moment when the grief she had pushed aside for so long finally caught up with her. Through writing, ice skating, and organizing a fundraiser in their honor, Judy found ways to reconnect with her sisters and keep their memory alive. She also discusses the evolving landscape of sibling grief support and how sharing her story has helped others navigate their own losses. We Discuss: Growing up as the middle of three sisters The shock of losing Jane when Judy was 25, and then Margie nine years later The challenges of grieving while balancing responsibilities How ice skating and philanthropy became outlets for her grief The changing landscape of sibling grief support What she’s most proud of in her grief process Resources & Links: Judy Lipson’s Website: Subscribe to Judy’s Substack: Book: A Celebration of Sisters – Available on Amazon and local bookstores Dougy Center Resources:
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When Grief & Betrayal Collide: Jessica Waite’s Story
02/04/2025
When Grief & Betrayal Collide: Jessica Waite’s Story
When husband, Sean, died suddenly, she knew him as a dedicated father to their young son and a loving, engaged spouse. In her book, The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards, Jessica reveals the shock and heartbreak of discovering Sean's double life. What began as a devastating loss quickly became even more complex as she uncovered the many secrets he had kept—hidden debt, drug use, and infidelity. Jessica talks about the rage, confusion, and emotional turmoil of grieving someone you love while simultaneously reckoning with the truth of who they really were. She reflects on anger as a catalyst for change, what she learned about parenting her son through his grief, and how ultimately she found a way back to herself. We disuss: The shock of uncovering a Sean's secrets after his death The role of anger in grief Navigating single parenthood while managing the weight of betrayal The complexity of holding both love and hurt for Sean The social pressures to maintain the image of someone who has died How humor and writing helped Jessica process her experience Resources & Links: Connect with Jessica Waite on Substack: Purchase online Learn more about grief support at Support Grief Out Loud: Grief Out Loud is produced by the Dougy Center, the National Grief Center for Children and Families. This podcast is sponsored in part by the Chester Stephan Endowment Fund. For more grief resources, visit . Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on this episode? Email us at . Thank you for being part of our community!
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Were You Close? Always A Sibling With Annie Sklaver Orenstein
01/24/2025
Were You Close? Always A Sibling With Annie Sklaver Orenstein
In this episode we talk with , author of Always A Sibling: The Forgotten Mourners. Annie talks about her older brother, Ben, who died when he was deployed in Afghanistan, and how his sudden death reshaped her understanding of grief and loss. They discuss the unique challenges of sibling loss and how Annie ultimately decided to write the book she wished she had when Ben died. We Discuss: Annie’s relationship with her brother Ben and his role in her life The day Annie learned of Ben’s death and the immediate aftermath How grief intersected with anxiety The unique and often overlooked experience of grieving a sibling Writing Always A Sibling and the need for more grief resources for siblings The complexities of sibling grief in complicated relationships The impact of signs from Ben and how Annie learned to find comfort in them Navigating the question, "Were you close?" Coping with grief while navigating major life milestones, such as becoming a parent Resources Mentioned: Annie Sklaver Orenstein’s book: Always A Sibling: The Forgotten Mourners (Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local bookstores) Dougy Center's grief resources and support programs () Connect with Annie Sklaver Orenstein: Instagram: Get in Touch with Us: Email: Website: Want to Support the Show? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen Leave us a rating & review
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What Remains: Rupert Callender on Grief, Rituals, and Redefining Funerals
01/10/2025
What Remains: Rupert Callender on Grief, Rituals, and Redefining Funerals
In this episode, we talk with , author of . Ru shares his personal experience with profound childhood loss to becoming a self-proclaimed radical undertaker. We also discuss the impact of grief at different life stages, how participation in funerals can be helpful for children, and reimagining rituals to accurately reflect the life of the person who died. Main topics: Parental Loss and Early Grief: Ru reflects on the loss of his father at age 7 and his mother in his 20s, sharing how these defining losses shaped his perspective on death and grief. Boarding School and Emotional Austerity: The impact of being sent away shortly after his father’s death. Becoming a Radical Undertaker: After a chance encounter with a TV program, Ru was inspired to challenge conventional funeral practices and embrace more personal, inclusive rituals. Children and Grief: Why including children in funerals can be helpful, offering them tangible ways to process and revisit their grief. Radical Funeral Planning: Ru’s vision for end-of-life ceremonies, including his own desire for a midsummer funeral pyre, and how he helps families create ceremonies that resonate deeply. The Role of Grief in Life: How grief manifests and resurfaces, and the creative ways Ru has processed his own grief through rituals and art. Resources Mentioned: by Ru Callender Dougy Center’s grief support resources: Join the Conversation: Have thoughts about this episode? Email Jana at or connect with Dougy Center on social media. Don’t forget to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to share what it means to you.
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Shatterproof: Telling The Truth About Grief with Lauren Sisler
01/03/2025
Shatterproof: Telling The Truth About Grief with Lauren Sisler
Grief can be shattering - and it can also reveal unexpected strength and resilience. In this episode, we’re joined by , award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN Sideline reporter, and author of . Lauren shares her powerful story of losing her parents, who died within hours of each other during her freshman year of college, and how grief, fear, and shame, kept her from telling her story. Lauren discusses: The initial shock of loss. How grief evolved for her over the years and the tools that helped. The power of sharing her story and connecting with others who’ve experienced loss. Insights from her book Shatterproof, including ways she's found to stay connected to her parents. Follow Lauren on . Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode meaningful, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who might benefit from it. Let’s keep the conversation about grief going.
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It's Okay That It's Not The Same - Grief At The Holidays
12/19/2024
It's Okay That It's Not The Same - Grief At The Holidays
[This episode originally aired December, 2023] This time of year can be grueling for anyone, but particularly for those who are grieving. So, each year we put out an episode to help you feel less alone and hopefully more equipped to traverse the next few weeks. Today's guest, Melissa Peede Thompson, M.S., is a Grief Services Coordinator at Dougy Center. While she has lots of professional knowledge in this realm, we asked her to talk about her personal experience of grieving during the holidays. Melissa was six when her sister died of gun violence. She was 13 when her father died in a motorcycle accident. And she was a young adult when her grandparents died. Each loss shaped - and continues to shape - how Melissa and her family approach this time of year. We discuss: How her sister's death impacted her parents at the holidays What she remembers about the first Christmas after her dad died Grieving for her her grandparents before they died How the holidays can feel empty, even when the house is full Melissa's realization that grief has left her a little bit "Grinchy" What she's doing to shift how she thinks and feels about the holidays Learning to appreciate being able to spend time with the people who are still alive Why St. Patrick's Day became her favorite holiday Taking the pressure off trying to make the holidays feel the same after someone dies If you missed our past Holidays & Grief episodes, be sure to listen to Ep. , , , And our latest one, .
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It Can Be So Awkward - Holidays & Grief
12/06/2024
It Can Be So Awkward - Holidays & Grief
It's our annual holidays and grief episode! In the past we've focused on more tangible tips and suggestions for supporting kids, teens, and adults during this time of year. This year we decided to focus on one person's lived experience with how the holidays can get really awkward when grief is involved. Ana Salazar-Walsh was just nineteen when her father died in a mountain climbing accident. A few months later, it was the first holiday season after his death, but it was actually the third Christmas in a row shadowed by grief. Two years earlier, her father left their family to start a new one with a woman he had fallen in love with. All of this, combined with moving from Spain to the United States for college, made for three very uncomfortable and awkward holiday seasons. Now that Ana is married with her own children, she's finding ways to bring her father's memory into their holiday celebrations. Looking for our past episodes about the holidays & grief? Check out:
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Grieving While Parenting - Reshma Kearney
11/20/2024
Grieving While Parenting - Reshma Kearney
When Reshma Kearney's husband Sean died of suicide, her immediate concern was their three young children. She needed to figure out how to talk to them about his death - and his life - all while meeting their emotional and physical needs. Pretty quickly she realized her needs also had to be met so she could keep showing up for them. Reshma and her kids had an established mindfulness practice before Sean's death and those practices became integral for tending to their grief and finding ways to keep engaging with life. Note: this episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You can call 988 or text HELLO to 741-741. Connect with on IG. Listen to her kids on .
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They Are Part Of Our Family - Grieving A Pet
11/09/2024
They Are Part Of Our Family - Grieving A Pet
In May of 2024, Christine Passo's beloved dog, Maya Ray, took her last breath in Christine's arms. This wasn't the first time Christine experienced loss or trauma, but the grief she felt and continues to feel for Maya Ray caught her off guard with its intensity and depth. We talk about Maya Ray's last day, how Christine's other dog, Zoe, grieved, and how Christine and her partner are finding ways to continue honoring Maya Ray's life and her place in their family. is a coach who specializes in supporting women through life changes, many of which come with grief. She is also the co-author of and host of the podcast. Be sure to check out our previous episode on grieving for a pet -
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Let's Hear It For The Kids - Grief In Their Own Words
11/01/2024
Let's Hear It For The Kids - Grief In Their Own Words
In honor of month, we asked kids and teens to talk about grief in their own words. This compilation episode includes clips from children and teens reflecting on their people who died, their varied responses to loss, and what they hope grief will feel like in future. Thank you to all the children and teens who contributed to this episode - and to their parents and caregivers for facilitating the recording process. Want to learn more? Register now for Dougy Center's Children's Grief Awareness Day webinar. Thursday, November 21st, 2024 - 10 - 11:30 am PST Be part of our campaign Follow November's posts on social media
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Losing Them More Than Once - When Your Ex Dies
10/18/2024
Losing Them More Than Once - When Your Ex Dies
No one is perfect and no one is just one story, but how do you grieve when the person who died was so different than the person you fell in love with? When Jenn met and fell in love with Jesse, she never imagined their relationship would unravel due to his struggles with mental health and alcohol use disorder. Jesse died in 2020 and Jenn's been left to reconcile the man she loved with the one she eventually had to leave. His death also left her unsure where her grief fits in the world of bereavement and how to support their son, whose grief is complicated by the impact his father's illness had on their relationship. Dr. Jennifer Vriend is a and co-host of .
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"We Never Talked About Her Again" - Susan Lieu & The Manicurist's Daughter
10/14/2024
"We Never Talked About Her Again" - Susan Lieu & The Manicurist's Daughter
, is a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer. When Susan was 11 years old, her mother died from a routine plastic surgery. After she died, Susan's family stopped talking about her mother, leaving Susan on her own to figure out what happened and how to feel. Susan's debut memoir, recounts her quest to get to know her mother, avenge her death, and try with all her might to get her family to open up about it all. Susan is a compelling and accomplished storyteller, co-hosting podcast and speaking at , the Smithsonian, and at universities and companies across the country. Her memoir is an Apple Book of the Month, most anticipated 2024 book by Elle Magazine and Goodreads, and has been featured on The New York Times, NPR Books, and The Washington Post. Read her press . Follow Susan on @susanlieu
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Grieving The Relationship We Didn't Get To Have - Maegan Parker Brooks, PhD
10/02/2024
Grieving The Relationship We Didn't Get To Have - Maegan Parker Brooks, PhD
It's our 300th episode and this conversation with Maegan Parker Brooks, PhD, is the perfect one to honor that milestone. Maegan is an Associate Professor at Willamette University and a volunteer at where she facilitates a peer grief support group for adult caregivers of teens who are grieving. Maegan is also a daughter and sister, grieving the deaths of her father, her sister Emily, and her mother. In this conversation we talk about grief and estranged relationships, relationships impacted by substance use, non-death losses, memorialization during the pandemic, and all the ways we talk to one another - and ourselves - about that grief. Maegan Parker Brooks, PhD is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Civic Communication & Media Department at Willamette University. At Willamette, Maegan teaches courses in Death and Grief Communication and facilitates the Diversity of Loss grief support group. Beyond Willamette, Maegan co-facilitates a group for adult caregivers of grieving teens at The Dougy Center and she recently earned a certificate in Arts-Assisted Grief Therapy at the Portland Institute for Loss & Transition. Related Articles: Brooks, Maegan P. Willamette., 1 Feb. 2024, pp. 20-21. Brooks, Maegan P. Journal of Autoethnography, 4, 2 (2023): 174-192. Want to help us celebrate our 300th episode? Be sure to follow the show and give us a rating/review on whatever platform you use to listen! Grief Out Loud® is a production of .
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Is This Normal? Getting To Know Grief With Kendra Rinaldi
09/19/2024
Is This Normal? Getting To Know Grief With Kendra Rinaldi
knows a lot about grief. When she was just 21, her sister died in a car accident. Ten years later she had a miscarriage. Ten years after that, her mother died of cancer. Professionally, she is a grief guide and host of the podcast. But she didn't always get grief. When she was 21, she didn't realize that everything she was thinking, feeling, and experiencing after her sister's death counted as grief. In the years since, Kendra's gotten to know her grief well and uses that knowledge to support others. We discuss: The spectrum of losses Kendra's experienced Grieving her sister's death in a car accident Grieving a miscarriage Grieving her mother's death from pancreatic cancer What can be different between a sudden death vs. one from a long-term illness Discerning grief from depression Writing as a tool for navigating grief and staying connected to her sister How Kendra's sister's death shifted family dynamics Tri-lingual grieving - and why Spanglish is her favorite language for grief How grief is approached differently in the U.S. and Kendra's home country, Colombia The origin of the podcast The hardest aspect of doing a podcast about grief Kendra's recent sneaky grief attack Follow Kendra on IG Want to help with our special Children's Grief Awareness Month episode? If you have a child or teen in your world who is grieving a death who would like to participate, you can record a voice memo of them responding to one or more of the following prompts and email it to [email protected] When my ____ died, I felt... When I'm missing them, ____ helps the most Today, my grief feels like... In the future, I hope my grief feels... Thank you for considering!
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